The centennial history of Oregon, 1811-1912, Part 31

Author: Gaston, Joseph, 1833-
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, The S.J. Clarke publishing company
Number of Pages: 1072

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On the 10th of June, 1893, Mr. Wrenn was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor Esther O'Connor, a native of California, born April 21, 1867, and a daughter of James and Ellen O'Connor. There are three children of this marriage: Harold, Frances and Kenneth Cald- well. In his political views Mr. Wrenn is an earnest democrat, stanchly supporting the principles of his party. Fraternally he is connected with the Elks and the Eagles and for the past twenty years he has been a member of the Typographical Union. He has worked long and earnestly at his trade in various connections and whatever success he has achieved is the merited reward of his own labor.

ROBERT S. AND MELVIN SMITH. The proprietors of an excellent blacksmith shop in Sandy are Robert S. and Melvin Smith, who are numbered among the worthy citizens of Clackamas county. They were born near Clay Center, Kansas, Robert S., August 2, 1886, and Melvin on August 3, 1888, their parents being Alexander and Eliza (Ross) Smith, the father a native of Ireland and the mother of Pennsylvania. The parents were married in Kansas, where they have since

resided, the father being one of the early settlers and the owner of eighty acres of rich land there. In his family were twelve chil- dren: William, of Roseberry, Idaho; David, of Broughton, Kansas; Mary, of Seattle, Wash- ington; Robert S .; Melvin; Kenelm of Boring, Oregon; Oliver, Sarah, Jennie and Alexander, Jr., all of whom are at home; and Elizabeth and Edward, deceased.

Robert S. Smith was reared under the parental roof, dividing his time between his studies in the district school in winter and working on his father's farm in summer. He afterward obtained a business college edu- cation. He remained at home until he was eighteen years of age, when he started out in life for himself and went to British Colum- bia, where he was employed for two years in a flour mill. He then took up the trade of blacksmithing, which he followed for two years there, and afterward continued in dif- ferent kinds of work until 1909, when he started a shop at Boring, Oregon, which he operated until November 1, 1911. At that time he came to Sandy and opened a shop with his brother Melvin, which they still conduct.

On the 17th of April, 1911, Robert S. Smith wedded Miss Vera Cross, who was born in Washington, September 14, 1890, a daughter of John L. and Sarah Cross, the mother a native of Missouri and the father of New York. Her parents were married in Wash- ington, where they resided until 1903, when they removed to Oregon. The mother is now living in Boring, the father having passed away March 28, 1911. In their family were four children, of whom Mrs. Smith is the youngest. The others are: Mrs. Effie Lit- tle, of Fruitland, Washington; William H., of Spokane; and Claude F., of Boring, Oregon. Mrs. Robert S. Smith was educated in her native state, having completed a high-school course there.

Melvin Smith grew to manhood on his fath- er's farm, receiving his early education in the district schools, and at the age of sixteen started out on his own account, working on a farm in Kansas, where he was employed for two years. He then went to Alberta, Canada, but after a short time removed to British Columbia, remaining there one year. He later attended school in St. Paul, Minne- sota, for one year, subsequent to which time he came to Oregon, settling at Pleasant Home, where he resided for over a year. He after- ward took up the trade of blacksmithing in Portland, being employed there for seven months, when he went to Boring. Here he continued in his trade for a short time and then came to Sandy, entering into partner- ship with his brother in the shop which they are now so successfully operating.

In politics the brothers are republican, and fraternally Robert S. Smith is identified with the United Artisans of Sandy. Melvin Smith is a member of the Triple Tie Benefit Associa- tion of Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Smith belong to the Methodist Episcopal church, while Melvin is affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The brothers are pro- gressive and enterprising and work in the

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utmost harmony in the development and con- trol of an extensive and growing black- smithing business. They are always reliable in both their business and social relations and during their residence here have won the friendship and high regard of all with whom they have been associated.

C. M. SKEELS. Coos county lost one of her most successful and upright business men and one of her most liberal and charitable citizens when C. M. Skeels died at his home in Coquille on March 6, 1911. For twenty- four years he had been in the general mer- chandise business in Coos county and had built up a substantial business by reason of his progressive policies and his unques- tioned honesty and his death closed a career which had been useful and valuable as well as upright and worthy. He was born in Ohio in 1848, a son of Thomas B. and Re- becca (Smith) Skeels, natives of that state. They were the parents of seven children: C. M., the subject of this sketch; Thomas W., a resident of Ohio; Ella, the wife of Rev. Leggith, of Ohio; Oreta, who is the wife of John Beemer, of the same state; Ernest M., also of Ohio; Teresa, who has passed away; and one child, who died in infancy.

C. M. Skeels was educated in the public schools of Ohio and spent his childhood and early manhood in that state. In 1887 he came to Oregon and eventually settled in Coos county, establishing himself in the gen- eral merchandise business at Bandon. After one year he sold his enterprise and came to Coquille where he operated a general store. His success was rapid from the 'beginning and he soon became well known by reason of his attractive, complete and tastefully ar- ranged stock, the fairness of his prices, the quality of his goods, and his honorable busi- ness methods, and a fine patronage soon re- paid his care in all directions. At the time of his death his prosperity was evident, rank- ing him among the most important merchants in Coquille.

In 1873 Mr. Skeels was united in marriage to Miss Nellie J. Henry, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of James and Nancy (Durbin) Henry, both of whom were born in that state. Her father died when Mrs. Skeels was ten years of age and her mother passed away in 1893. In their family were fourteen children, six of whom are still living: Isaac H., and Vincent H., both of whom reside in Ohio; Izora, the wife of Jacob Brown, of Ohio; Elizabeth, who became the wife of John Lunsford, also of Ohio; Sarah C., who is the wife of Columbus Evans, of the same state; and Nellie, the wife of our subject. To Mr. and Mrs. Skeels were born eight children: Charles T., who resides in Co- quille, and is a partner in the business which his father left, and who is married and has one daughter, Marvel, aged eleven years; Mary, the wife of Charles Lorenz. who is engaged in the merchandising business in Bandon, by whom she has four children, Marjorie, George, Harry, and Dorothy; Oreta, who became the wife of Fred Nozler of Bridge,

by whom she has three children, Gladys, James, and Fred; Grace, who married George Baxter of Creswell, and who is the mother of two children, Nellie and Clay; Portus and Nellie, twins, who have passed away; Dolly May, who resides at home with her mother; and Paul, who resides at home and who is a partner in the merchandise busi- ness with his mother and brother. All of the children in this family completed their education in Coos county, and Paul took a business course in a business college at Salem.

Mr. Skeels gave his allegiance to the re- publican party but was never an office seeker. He was a devout adherent of the Methodist Episcopal church, North, and well known in religious circles. Although success- ful as a merchant his truest claim to re- membrance does not rest upon his business attainments. It lies in his broad and liberal charity and his deep religious spirit which made his life one stant giving to worthy causes. The poor of Coos county hold him in memory as a man who did his ut- most by personal kindness and material aid to lighten their burdens and lessen the hard- ships of their lives.

ALOIS GASSNER, who is one of the suc- cessful orchardists of Washington county, is the owner of a fine ranch of sixty acres, located four miles southwest of Beaverton. He was born in Austria, on the 15th of De- cember, 1847, and is a son of Christian and Catherine Gassner, both of whom spent their entire lives in Austria, the father passing away at the age of forty-six and the mother at sixty. In their family were six children, three of whom are living, those beside our subject being. Edward and Josephine, who have remained in the old country.

The first twenty years of his life Alois Gassner spent in his native land, where lie obtained a good common-school education, after which he learned the stone-mason's trade. A dissatisfaction with the meager opportunities for advancement afforded in his own country early decided him to seek lis fortune in the United States. He arrived in this country in 1869 and first located in De- troit, Michigan, where he followed his trade for a few months and then removed to Frec- port, Illinois. There he continued to work at the stone-mason's trade until 1870, when he decided to come to the Pacific coast, hav- ing heard many remarkable stories of Cali- fornia. He located in that state for a time, but not liking the climate he subsequently removed to Portland. Working during the next eight months in various capacities about the hotels of that city, he took a position as sausage maker in a packing house. He next filled a position as driver on an ice wagon, but he withdrew from this occupation at the end of a year, to work for a whole- sale liquor firm. In this position he con- tinued for three years and resigned the same to engage in building sidewalks and fences, and afterward undertook gardening for a period of seven years. At the expiration of that time he came to Washington county and

C. M. SKEELS

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bought sixty acres of railroad land at six and a half dollars per acre, and here he has ever since resided. Mr. Gassner's ranch is located on section 25, township 1, south, of range 2, and contains sixty acres of most fertile land that he has brought under a high state of cultivation. When he purchased, his place was covered with a heavy growth of timber, the trees averaging from one to eight feet in diameter, but he has cleared all of his land and erected thereon a com- fortable residence, large barns and other sub- stantial buildings. He has a fine orchard containing fourteen hundred bearing apple, pear, prune, cherry and peach trees, while six acres of his ranch are devoted to hop-raising, for which industry he has provided a drying house, press and all other necessary equip- ment. Mr. Gassner is realizing substantial returns from his various activities and is recognized as one of the prosperous ranch- men of the county. His prosperity is the re- sult, however, of years of close application, intelligent supervision and tireless energy, which qualities constitute the main asset in any undertaking.

On the 4th of November, 1873, Mr. Gassner was married to Miss Justina Lampert, who was born in Austria on the 7th of July, 1848, and is a daughter of John and Josephine Lampert. The parents spent their entire lives in Austria, where the mother passed away in 1855 and the father in 1861. They were the parents of six children, all of whom are now deceased with the exception of Mrs. Gassner. She came to the United States in 1868, locating in Freeport, Illinois, where she subsequently met and married Mr. Gass- ner. They are the parents of five children, as follows: Xavier Antone, who was born on the 2nd of October, 1874, now married and living in Reedville, this county, where he and his brother conduct a mercantile business; Alois, born on January 11, 1877, who is mar- ried and engaged in business with his brother in Reedville; Carolina, the wife of William Taylor, a farmer of the county; Julius, who was born on June 27, 1885, still at home; and Justina, born on the 1st of April, 1887, who married Ernest Livermore and has one son Ernest W., who was born on the 29th of November, 1909. Mr. Gassner gave all of his children the advantages of a good com- mon-school education. thus well equipping them for the responsibilities of life.

The family are all communicants of the Roman Catholic church, and fraternally Mr. Gassner is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being identified with Lodge No. 19. His political views coincide with the principles of the democratic party. Governmental matters have never engaged much of his attention not being an aspirant to public office, but for the past seventeen years he has served on the local school board, the cause of education having always found in him an ardent supporter. A gratifying measure of success has been accorded Mr. Gassner in his undertakings, but it has been the well merited reward of thrift and tireless energy, as he arrived in this country in his early manhood without capital or influence

to assist him in his pursuits. The position he holds today has been attained through his own unaided efforts, and he is justly entitled to the esteem and respect he is accorded in the community where he has so long resided.

ALVA E. RINGO, who was born in Marion county in 1868, resides on his father's old homestead, which is situated three miles southeast of Gervais. He is a son of Hamil- ton H. and Rispa (Stevens) Ringo. The father was born in Missouri, August 29, 1832, and died in Marion county, May 2, 1892. He received his education in Missouri and during those hours in which he was not oc- cupied with school work assisted his mother. In 1851 he came with his mother and a brother, W. H. Ringo, to Oregon. On Octo- ber 18, 1860, he married Rispa Stevens, a daughter of Hanson and Levina (Wickert) Stevens, born May 17, 1843. Her father was married in Indiana and from there removed with his wife to Iowa, where they lived about seven years before they came to Marion county, Oregon, where he acquired a claim of six hundred and forty acres. Mr. Stevens passed away in Portland in 1884, long sur- viving his wife, who had preceded him in death, dying on the old homestead on North Howel Prairie, Marion county in 1859. There were ten children in the family of Hanson and Levina Stevens: one who died in infancy; Emma Jane, who passed away when four- teen years of age; Isaac; Mrs. Rebecca Mount; Mrs. Ringo; Mrs. Christina Esson; Mrs. Sarah McKubbins; Mrs. Mary Smith; Mrs. Mattie Cahill; and Millard. Mrs. Sarah McKubbins and Mrs. Mattie Cahill make their home at Dayton, Washington, and the others live in Marion county, Oregon. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton H. Ringo went through the hard- ships of pioneer life and the father served for a time in the Indian war in eastern Wash- ington. Hamilton H. Ringo and his brother, W. H., soon after their arrival in Oregon purchased one-half of the tract of land which is known as the John T. Smith donation land claim, which part consisted of two hundred and ninety acres and is located twelve miles north of Salem, on the French prairie. Our subject's father operated his portion of this farm until the time of his death, owning at that date one hundred and forty acres. His wife. having reached the age of sixty-eight years, and her son Alva, of this review, are living on the old homestead. In the family of Hamilton H. and Rispa (Stevens) Ringo were fourteen children: Mrs. Roxie A. Gros- hong, of Albany, Oregon; Emma, deceased; Alva E., of this review; Mrs. Effie Richie, of Salem; Steven D .. of Livermore, Cali- fornia; Mrs. Katie McKee, of Albany; Mrs. Mary I. Galoway, deceased; Byron H. and Guy E., both of whom reside on the home- stead; Mrs. Dollie Buchner, of Albany; Jes- sie, at home; Robert, of California; and two children who died in infancy. Hamilton H. Ringo gave his support to the democratic party. He was an industrious man, ener- getic. thrifty and highly esteemed by all who knew him. He was engaged in farm

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work during all the time he lived in Ore- gon. His belief was that of the Baptist church.

Alva E. Ringo was reared under the par- ental roof, received a good business education and at the age of twenty-three years, the time of his father's death, took charge of the old homestead, which he has since oper- ated, except for one year which he spent in California and one summer in eastern Wash- ington. Residing with his mother and giv- ing her the support of a faithful son, he operates the farm on shares.

Mr. Ringo maintains an independent posi- tion in regard to political parties and votes for such men and measures as he deems best fitted to serve to the greatest benefit of all the people irrespective of party lines. His time has been largely occupied with the duties of farm life and he has found no time for active participation in work of a public character, although he takes that righteous interest in all matters undertaken for the public welfare. He and his mother adhere to the faith of the Church of God. Having resided all his life in Marion county, he has a host of loyal friends of long stand- ing and is held by all who know him in the highest regard. He has gained a reputation which ranks him among the prominent and loyal citizens of the community in which he lives.

ERNEST F. CRUSE, who is one of the prosperous young business men of Estacada, Clackamas county, being a member of the mercantile firm of Duncan & Cruse Brothers, was born in Schleisingerville, Wisconsin, on March 30, 1882. He is a son of William P. and Mary (Doerenbecher) Cruse, the father a native of Westphalia, Germany, and the mother of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. The par- ents were married in Wisconsin, and resided in that state nearly all their lives, the father having been engaged there in the mercantile business for over twenty-nine years. Previous to that time he was in the mercantile busi- ness in Germany, although he came to America when he was yet a young man. The mother passed away December 19, 1891, and the father October 17, 1903. In their family were five children: William, who is a traveling salesman residing at Brainard, Minnesota; Edward, who is in the mercantile business at Osakis, Minnesota; Clara, the wife of F. J. Pelzel, a railroad agent at Barnesville, Min- nesota; H. M .; and Ernest F., of this review.

Ernest F. Cruse was reared and educated in his native state, and on coming to Ore- gon, with his brother, H. M. Cruse, engaged in the mercantile business. He is one of the enterprising young business men of Estacada, and the firm of Duncan & Cruse Brothers carries on an extensive mercantile business. Besides his interest in this store, Mr. Cruse also owns a share in his father's estate at Rice Lake, Wisconsin.

On the 18th of July, 1911, Mr. Cruse wedded Miss Sadie A. Mooney, who was born in Wisconsin in 1886, a daughter of William and Isabel (Stevens) Mooney, the mother a native of Wisconsin, and the father of Can-

ada. The mother passed away in 1909, and the father is residing in Superior, Wiscon- sin. In their family were two children: James, of Superior; and Mrs. Cruse. Fra- ternally Mr. Cruse is identified with the Knights of Columbus, belonging to the lodge at Portland, and both he and Mrs. Cruse are members of the Catholic church. He is a progressive citizen, public spirited and an enterprising merchant, and is considered one of the rising young business men of Estacada.

ADAM BARR arrived in Oregon nearly sixty years ago, and throughout this entire . period he has been identified with agricul- tural pursuits in Columbia county, owning and developing a farm which he has made one of the valuable properties in the northern part of the state. He was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, November 23, 1835, a son of Andrew and Lucretia (Carter) Barr, the for- mer a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of the state of New York. The parental grandfather was a native of Germany, while his wife was born in the Dutch colony of New Jersey. The marriage of Andrew Barr and Lucretia Carter occurred in Ohio and in that state the father died in 1841, after which the mother came to Oregon, making the over- land trip with an emigrant train and settling in Columbia county. She was accompanied by her five sons, while a married daughter remained in Ohio, where she has since passed away. Two other daughters had died pre- vious to the removal of the family to the northwest. The mother married again, her second husband being John Barr, à brother of her first husband, but he was drowned a month after their arrival in Oregon. Mrs. Barr passed away in 1876, survived by four of her children: Adam; George, living at La Center, Washington; William, a resident of Columbia county, Oregon; and James, also of this county.

Being the oldest member of his mother's family, Adam Barr largely devoted the period of his boyhood, youth and early manhood to aiding his mother in the work of the farm and providing for the support of the younger children. He was but a young lad when he crossed the plains and was here reared amid the wild scenes and environment of pioneer life, sharing with the family in all the priva- tions and hardships which are incident to the establishment of a home on the frontier. In 1864 he returned to Ohio, where he was mar- ried and a year later he again came to Ore- gon, where he started in business on his own account. At that time he purchased a farm known as the James Hill donation claim, which he has since owned and improved. When the land came into his possession it was covered with a heavy growth of timber and brush. This he has largely cleared away and has transformed the land into very pro- ductive fields, having now one of the finest farms in this section of the state. It is situated a mile and a half from the town of Clatskanie and he has admitted his sons to a partnership in the business. All of the evidences of progressive agriculture are here found and the fields annually yield golden

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tribute for the care and labor bestowed upon them.

On the 21st of March, 1865, Mr. Barr was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Sagle, who was born in Virginia and went to Ohio in her childhood days with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Sagle of the Old Dominion. The Sagle family numbered eleven children, all of whom are deceased with the exception of Fenton Sagle, of Illinois. The death of Mrs. Barr occurred January 11, 1898, and three sons and one daughter, as well as her husband, were left to mourn her loss. These were: John A., who owns and operates a valuable farm of three hundred and twenty acres in Columbia county; Joseph William, who is associated with his father in business; James A., who is also the owner of a good farm in Columbia county; and Mary, the wife of Albert Seffert, of the same county. Another daughter, Lucretia, who was the wife of Daniel Rice passed away previous to the mother, her death occurring in 1897.

In his political views Mr. Barr has long been an advocate of democratic principles. He has held the office of county commissioner and was also justice of the peace, for one term. But while he has ever been loyal to the duties which have devolved upon him in a public connection, he has never sought nor desired political preferment, wishing rather to give his undivided attention to his business affairs. His residence in Oregon covers a period of almost sixty years. He has wit- nessed the marvelous development of the northwest as towns and cities have been founded and developed and as the wild land has been reclaimed and converted into splen- did farms and ranches. Faithfully doing his duty day by day, he has assisted materially in the improvement of Columbia county and in this section of the state is held in high regard.

JAMES L. McCOLM is residing on a forty acre farm which he owns, in Josephine county, near Wilderville. He was born in Iowa, January 28, 1862, a son of James H. and Emily (Thompson) McColm, in whose family were twelve children. The parents removed from Iowa to Kansas and there remained for four years, after which they went by rail to Oregon, settling near Grants Pass, where the father took up a homestead. He resided on that farm for a considerable period of time but later disposed of it.

James L. McColm acquired a common-school education and remained at home with his parents until he attained the age of twenty- two years. He then engaged in agricultural pursuits on his own account, purchasing an eighty acre farm on the Applegate river. He improved that property but later sold it. and bought the place on which he now lives, which comprises forty acres of well improved and fertile land.

In early manhood Mr. McColm wedded Miss Mary A. Jones, a native of Kansas, and to them four children have been born, Edith, Bessie, Laverne and Freda. One of the daugh- ters is engaged in teaching school in Klamatlı Falls.

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The centennial history of Oregon, 1811-1912, Part 31

Author: Gaston, Joseph, 1833- Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, The S.J. Clarke publishing company Number of Pages: 1072

Author: Gaston, Joseph, 1833-
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, The S.J. Clarke publishing company
Number of Pages: 1072